Multiple molding apparatus

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for holding a plurality of book-type molds during manipulation to mold hollow articles which comprises a plurality of laterally spaced clamping plates, said plates having a plurality of aligned slots for receiving molds, means for quickly and easily applying longitudinal pressure to said plates whereby to firmly hold said molds, and means for conveniently mounting the apparatus on rotating apparatus.

United States Patent 1191 Hake 1 1 MULTIPLE MOLDING APPARATUS [76] Inventor: George H. Hake, 1 1 154 Broadway,

Alden, N.Yv 14004 22 Filed: May 18, 1973 21 App1.No.:36l,579

52 us. (:1. 249/164 51 Int. 01. B4113 11/50 1581 Field 01 Search ,.249/l19.120,l71, 121,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 352,042 11/1886 Corby 249/118 404,381 6/1889 Clark 249/131 479,212 7/1892 Fuchs 11 249/119 X 843,087 2/1907 Jensen 249/131 942,092 12/1909 Muy .1 249/121 X 1,013,536 1/1912 Forrest 1 1 1 1 1 1 11249/119 1.312.631 8/1919 Hellstrom 249/163 X 1451 Aug. 5, 1975 1,886,084 11/1932 Clam-son 249/118 X 2,332,956 10/1943 WllShllOl'l 11 249/119 3,110,949 11/1963 Di Tullio 249/120 X 3,144,699 8/1964 Williams ,1 249/164 3,332,658 7/1967 Lemelson .1 249/160 X 3,608,858 9/1971 Beattie 1 249/160 3,680,991 8/1972 Cate 249/160 X Primary E\'um1'nerFr21nCis S. Husar Ass/slam E.\'um1'nerJohn S, Brown Attorney, Agent, or Fir/11Ashlar1 F. Harlan, Jr,

{57] ABSTRACT Apparatus for holding a plurality of b00k-type molds during manipulation to mold hollow articles which comprises a plurality of laterally spaced clamping plates, said plates having a plurality of aligned slots for receiving molds, means for quickly and easily applying longitudinal pressure to said plates whereby to firmly hold said molds, and means for conveniently mounting the apparatus on rotating apparatus 24 Claims, 20 Drawing Figures PATENTED AUG 5 I975 SHEET llllllll MULTIPLE MOLDING APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to molding apparatus and is particularly concerned with apparatus useful for the multiple molding of confections, specifically hollow chocolate products.

The molding of confections, including hollow chocolate products, in various forms and designs has long been known. In general, the procedures used have involved the handling of single molds, although these, in some cases, have comprised multiple cavities. Split molds have often been used and in many instances an excessive amount of hand-handling has been required in using them thus making production slow and costly. Even where automation has been introduced the handling of individual molds has limited production and rather complex apparatus has been required properly to form the desired hollow products. There has, consequently, been a need for simple, relatively inexpensive apparatus which would permit fast production of such products.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides apparatus for forming hollow chocolate and similar bodies by means of which a plurality of either single or multicavity, book type molds may be conveniently filled with the desired amount of fluid chocolate, the molds can be closed, and, subsequently after the molds are closed, they may be subjected to vibration or to rotating or gyratory motion simultaneously to form shells within the mold cavi ties over the entire inner surfaces thereof, thereby producing a plurality of hollow objects. Thus the necessity of providing a separate base or closure for the bottom of the hollow article, which has been required in prior molding procedures, is obviated.

More specifically the present invention provides a clamping frame assembly, adapted to receive a plurality of book-type, split molds, which may be single or multiple cavity molds, which tightly clamps the side edges of said molds in position, i.e. with the bottoms of the molds at the top, for filling them, and permitting the vibration or rotation of the several molds simultaneously for the purpose of forming shells therein. As a result production is accelerated and the uniformity of the products produced is increased. The clamping frame assembly is so constructed as to accept molds within a range of sizes and with varying sized cavities and to permit easy insertion and removal of the molds. Further, the invention comprehends a novel mold construction which improves the quality of the product and saves time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of one form ofa mold clamping frame assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing a mold mounted therein;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the mold clamping frame assembly of FIG. I, showing a plurality of molds mounted therein;

FIG. 3 is a vertical, longitudinal sectional view, taken on the line 3-3 of FIG 2, with a mold shown in broken lines;

FIG. 4 is a vertical, transverse sectional view, taken on the line 4-4 of FIG, 3, with a mold shown in broken lines;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, horizontal sectional view, taken on the line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, bottom view of the mold clamping frame assembly of FIG. 1, showing means for mounting the assembly on rotating apparatus;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of one form of a multiple-cavity mold of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the mold shown in FIG. 7;

FIG, 9 is a horizontal sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken on line 99 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken on line 10-10 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of another form of a mold clamping frame assembly according to this invention showing a mold mounted therein;

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the mold clamping frame assembly of FIG. 11',

FIG. 13 is an end elevational view of the mold clamping frame assembly of FIG. 11, with the mold removed;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary, vertical, transverse sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken on line 14-14 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary, horizontal, transverse sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken on line I5--1S of FIG. ll;

FIG. 16 is a vertical, sectional, detail view, taken on line l616 of FIG. 11; on an enlarged scale;

FIG. 17 is a vertical, sectional, detail view taken on line 17l7 of FIG. 16',

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line l8l8 of FIG. 17',

FIG. I9 is a fragmentary, sectional view, on an enlarged scale, illustrating an extender usable in conjunc tion with this invention; and

FIG. 20 is a perspective view, on a reduced scale, of a dummy or blank that can be substituted for a mold in filling a clamping frame assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT Referring now in detail to the drawings, there is shown in FIGS. I6, one form of a mold clamping frame assembly, constructed in accordance with this invention and comprehensively designated 25, for holding and clamping one or more molds, comprehensively designated 26, also forming a part of this invention. The mold clamping frame assembly 25 comprises a pair of side clamping plates 27 and 28 and an intermediate clamping plate 29 all secured, at their respective opposite ends and adjacent the tops thereof, to transversely extending end cross members 31 and 32 and, at their respective bottom edges adjacent the ends thereof, to transversely extending bottom cross members 33 and 34.

The terms upper, lower, top, bottom", right", left, above, *below", vertical, horizontal, and similar terms of position and/or direction as used hereinafter refer to the illustrations in FIGS. I and 11 but are only employed for convenience in description and/or reference. Such terms should not be so construed as to imply a necessary positioning of the structures or portions thereof or to limit the scope of this invention.

Since the clamping plates 27, 28 and 29 are preferably substantially identical, it is believed that a detailed description ofonly a single clamping plate will here suffice, the same reference characters being applied to corresponding elements and portions of all three clamping plates. The clamping plates preferably are formed of a suitable, relatively rigid, plastic material, such as a hy-impact butadienestyrene resin which may conveniently be vacuum molded in the desired configuration. As shown, each clamping plate has a generally rectangular outline in side elevation with chamfered corners 38 at the upper opposite ends thereof. as shown in FIG. 1. As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, an outwardly extending marginal flange 39 is formed integrally along the bottom and opposite ends of the clamping plate and is rigidly secured to the cross members 31, 32, 33 and 34 by suitable fasteners, such as rivets 41 for example. The flange 39 offers a wider area for anchoring the rivets 41 and provides an increased bearing surface in contact with the the cross members than would other wise be provided by the edge of the relatively thin clamping plate, thus stiffening the assembly. The lower edge of the clamping plate terminates in a skirt portion 42 depending downwardly from the flange 39 and overlapping the ends of the bottom cross members 33 and 34. The cross members 3134 are shaped generally like oblong dishes. Each has a lateral flange 35 around the outer edges of the sides thereof and the members 31 and 32, which are somewhat longer than the members 33 and 34, are preferably provided with a insert or core block 36, preferably formed of wood although a suitable plastic material can be used therefor, to stiffen them. The members 31-34 are preferably molded from a rigid plastic material, e.g. hy-impact butadiene styrene resin, although metal can be used if desired.

A plurality of deep, vertical slots 43 for receiving molds 26 are formed in the clamping plates at longitudinally spaced equal intervals therealong. The slots 43 extend downwardly from the upper edge of each plate and separate it into a plurality of segments 44 that are integrally connected together adjacent their lower ends. The segments 44 are provided with flanges 46 along their longitudinal side edges, which define the slots 43. The corners at the top edges of each segment 44, where the slots 43 open, are rounded as shown at 49 to facilitate insertion of the molds 26 into the slots 43. When so inserted, the flanges 46 on the slot edges bear against the opposite sides of the molds for clamping the same therebetween. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the lower face portions of the segments 44 are offset from, but parallel to, the upper portions of the segments, thereby making the flanges 46 wider along the lower portions of the slots 43.

In each of the segments 44 of the clamping plates except the end ones there are provided vertical, elongated grooves or channels 54. The channels 54 are located midway between and parallel to the slots 43 and are substantially the same length as the latter. Since these channels extend laterally outwardly from the clamping plates, as shown in FIG. 2, and provide resilient resistance to forces applied along the longitudinal axes of the clamping plates against the opposite ends thereof, they permit molds in the slots 43 to be firmly clamped.

The side clamping plate 28 is identical in construc tion to the clamping plate 27 but faces in the opposite direction, as shown in FIG. 4. The intermediate clamp ing plate 29 is substantially identical in construction to the clamping plates 27 and 23 except for the absence of a portion of lower edge skirt portion 42, as explained hereinafter. The plates 27, 28, and 29 are oriented in a laterally spaced relation with their respective slots 43 in lateral alignment with each other for receiving the molds 26. While the side clamping plates 27 and 28 are preferably slightly inclined outwardly in an upward diverging relation relative to a vertical plane extending through the intermediate clamping plate 29, they may lie in true vertical planes, if desired. The clamping plates 2729 may vary in size as desired, and while three clamping plates preferably are utilized in the illustrative embodiment depicted in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention contemplates the use of only two clamping piates or more than three, if desired. Also, the number of the slots 43 in the plates and the depth and spacing thereof may vary within the purview of this invention.

As most readily seen from H65. 3 and 6, a cross plate 61 extends transversely of the mold clamping plate assembly 25 beneath the clamping plates 27-29. The cross plate is secured at its opposite ends to the bottom flanges 39 of the clamping plates 27 and 28 by suitable fasteners, for example rivets 41. The skirt portion 42 of the center clamping plate 29 is cut away to clear the plate 61 and also the cross members 33 and 34. The plate 61 is preferably formed of a strong, rigid, plastic material, eg. hyimpact butadienestyrene resin. A mounting plate 62 is suitably secured to the center of cross plate 61, e.g. by rivets 63. The plate 62 is preferably formed ofiron or steel and is provided with a cir cular centering boss 64, preferably of suitable plastic material, secured thereto by suitable means such as a bolt 66. The boss 64 is centrally located on the plate 62, the two being adapted for cooperation in mounting the mold clamping plate assembly on rotating or agitat ing apparatus (not shown]. it will be seen that the cross plate 61 not only serves as a base for the plate 62 but also provides rigidity and stability to the entire assem bly.

A pair of clamping bars 67 and 68 are provided on the clamping frame assembly 25 to compress the mold clamping plates 27-29. The bars 67 and 68 are secured at their ends to the end cross members 31 and 32. As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the clamping bars is pivotally mounted at one end, eg. by a screw 71, on the end ofcross member 31 while at the other end, des ignated 72, each bar is provided with an arcuate slot 73 which receives a screw 74 or the like that engages the end of the cross member 32. With the screws 74 posi' tioned adjacent the upper and inner ends ofthe arcuate slots 73, as shown in FIG. 1, the cross members 31 and 32 are pulled toward each other, thus firmly clamping the molds 26 disposed in the slots 43 by the edges of the adjacent segments 44. As shown in FIG. 2, the clamping bars 67 and 68 are disposed laterally outwardly of the side clamping plates 27 and 28 to provide sufficient space for molds 26 to extend beyond the clamping plates.

In order to release and permit removal of the molds 26, the ends 72 of the clamping bars 67 and 68 are moved upwardly, the bars pivoting on the screws 71, to effect an outward and downward movement of the screws 74 in their respective arcuate slots 73. This pen mits the clamping plates 27-29 to relax or expand longitudinally thereby relieving the pressure of the flanges 46 on the edges of segments 44 against the molds 26 and allowing the latter to be readily withdrawn from the slots 43.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-10, an illustrative mold 26 of the multiple cavity, book" type construction is shown, inverted, in its usual filling position. The mold comprises a pair of mold sections 76 and 77, preferably formed of transparent, plastic material, preferably a cellulosic molding composition suitable for contact with food stuffs, and having a generally rectangular outline in front elevation. The mold sections 76 and 77 are pivotally connected together along their lower edges, as viewed in FIGS. 7, 8 and 10, by a strip of flexible, plastic material 78, such as strong cellulosic or polyester tape, adhesively secured to the lower ends of the sections, on the outer faces thereof, and forming a hinge. Each of the mold sections 76 and 77 is provided with two cavities 81 and 82, which are so located that when the sections 76 and 77 are closed together, as shown in FIGS. 7-10, the cavities 8] and 82 in the two sections are opposed and form composite mold cavities which define the outer surface configuration of the products to be molded.

The mold sections 76 and 77 are formed with flat, substantially planar walls or faces 83 and 84, respectively, which, except at the top of the mold as illustrated in FIG. 8, surround the mold cavities 81 and 82, respectively, and abut each other when the mold sections are in closed position. The side edges of the walls 83 and 84 are provided with laterally extending and oppositely directed flanges 85 and 86, respectively, which terminate in marginal lips or flanges 87 and 88, respectively, that extend outwardly, in a direction generally normal to the flanges and parallel to the faces 83 and 84. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, the lower ends of the flanges 85 and 86 on walls 83 and 84 are preferably tapered inwardly, as at 89, toward the hinge 78.

At the top of the mold 26 the tops of sections 76 and 77 are provided with integral flanges 91 and 92, that extend outwardly, respectively, from the faces 83 and 84 and have upstanding integral lips 93 and 94, respectively, at the outer edges thereof. At the junctions of the flange 91 with lip 93 and of the flange 92 with lip 94, there are formed opposed, thin grooves 95 that extend lengthwise of the flanges 91 and 92 and are adapted to receive the longitudinal edges of a thin sealing strip 98 with which the open ends of the composite mold cavities can be closed. The strip 98 is preferably formed of the same plastic material as the mold sections 76 and 77.

While, as illustrated in FIGS. 7-9, the composite cavities formed by the cavities 81 and 82 when the mold sections are folded together define doll-like figures which, because the mold sections are identical, face in opposite directions, it will be understood that the cavi- 555 an be of any desired configuration so as to define :2 Licie-- of various shapes. The composite cavities may or may not be symmetrical on opposite sides ofthe division or parting line 99 where the mold sections come together, tier nding upon the desired size and shape of the form to be molded. The two composite cavities may be the same or different in configuration, as desired.

The mode of operation of the clamping frame assembly 25 and the molds 26 is as follows:

With the clamping frame assembly 25 in an open, unclumped c ndition, ie with the clamping bars 67 and voted upper positions and screws 74 positioned at the outer, lower ends of their respective slots 73, a plurality of molds 26 are inserted, with hinges 78 down, into the laterally aligned slots 43 of the clamping plates 27, 28 and 29. The flanges 91 and 92 adjacent the tops of the molds rest on the upper edges of the clamping plates 27-29 and the side flanges and 86 are disposed outwardly of the side clamping plates 27 and 28. The sealing strips 98 are removed in readiness for the chocolate pouring operation.

When it is desired to use less than the full complement of molds, as shown in FIG. 2, or if the thickness of one or more of the mold cavities prevents the insertion of a mold into the next adjacent set of aligned slots 43, a flat dummy or blank 100 is inserted therein in the vacant slots. The dummy, illustrated in FIG. 20, should be as thick as the combined thickness of the mold walls 83 and 84 and can conveniently be made of metal or any suitable plastic material.

With the molds 26 and the blanks 100, if such are used, properly positioned in the slots 43, the ends 72 of the clamping bars 67 and 88 are pushed downwardly, thus pivoting the latter about their respective pivot screws 71, whereby the cross bars 31 and 32 are drawn together as the screws 74 move in their arcuate slots 73. This causes the clamping plates 27 and 28 to be compressed longitudinally, thereby forcing the opposed flanges 46 defining each slot 43 into clamping engagement against the side edges of the abutting faces 83 and 84 of the mold sections. At the same time the flanges 46 on the intermediate clamping plate 29 engage and clamp the mold sections together intermediate the mold cavities. Thus, the molds 26 are securely clamped within the slots 43 and the walls or faces 83 and 84 are firmly pressed against each other in sealing engagement about the cavities 81 and 82.

The chocolate to be molded, which may vary in grade and viscosity, is melted at a temperature of approximately ll(ll20F to form a flowable, syrup-like liquid. If desired, fines such as particles of chocolate, coconut, and the like, may be added to the liquid chocolate. When the liquid chocolate has cooled to a temperature from about 83 to 87F, it is poured into the upper, open ends of the mold cavities in the amount required for forming a hollow chocolate product. The sealing strips 98 are then inserted by sliding them into the opposed grooves of each mold to close the upper end thereof. The clamping assembly 25 is first inverted to allow the liquid chocolate to flow and become partially solidified along the upper ends of the mold cavities 81 and 82 closed by the strips 98 to seal the same and to form a bottom or base for the chocolate article to be molded. The assembly 25 is then mounted on a suitable rotating or vibrating apparatus by attaching the mounting plate 62 to a magnetic holder on the apparatus. The apparatus, which may take various forms and does not constitute a portion of this invention, vibrates, rotates, and/or gyrates the molds 26 in the assembly 25 in such manner as to cause the liquid chocolate to flow uniformly around the inner surface of the composite mold cavities and gradually solidify to assume the shape of such cavities and form a hollow chocolate article having a generally uniform wall thickness.

After the vibrating or rotating operation, the mold clamping assemblies 25 are disengaged from the apparatus. The filled molds 26 can then be readily removed from the clamping assemblies 25 after pivoting the clamping bars 67 and 68 to relieve the pressure on clamping plates 2729. The molds 26 are then stored in a cold room until the chocolate therein completely sets or solidifies. Thereafter, the mold sections 76 and 77 are separated and the finished chocolate article or articles are removed therefrom. Of course, when forming solid chocolate products, the mold cavities are completely filled and simply allowed to set without the necessity of rotating or gyrating the molds 26. In either case, the mold sections are held together firmly around the mold cavities to seal them and minimize leakage and flash.

FIGS. 11-18 illustrate another form of clamping frame assembly of this invention, comprehensively des ignated 25', which is identical in purpose and somewhat similar in general appearance and construction to the form of the invention first described, except that, as shown, it is larger in all dimensions, utilizes differently constructed clamping plates, and is provided with two sets of clamping bars, as will hereinafter be described in detail, This clamping frame assembly 25', of course, accommodates larger sized molds 26 and in sures a positive clamping action thereof. As shown in FIGS. 11, 12 and 13, the clamping frame assembly 25' comprises three laterally spaced, composite clamping plates 103 secured at their respective opposite ends to transversely extending upper and lower cross members 104 and 105, respectively. The composite plates 103 are also secured adjacent their respective lower ends to transversely extending support plates 106 and 107. Suitable fasteners such, for example, as rivets 108 may be used in both instances.

As best shown in FIG. 13, the outermost composite clamping plates 103 are preferably slightly inclined outwardly in an upward diverging relation relative to a vertical plane extending through the intermediate plate 103. However, the outer plates 103 may be disposed in straight or true vertical planes, if desired. Also, the size of the clamping plates 103 and the number of interme' diate plates 103 employed may vary, as desired or as dictated by the size and configuration of the molds 26 to be accommodated. While three clamping plates 103 are generally most convenient, it will be appreciated that more or fewer can be provided, if desired.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 each composite clamping plate 103 is a modular construction formed from two identical clamping plate sections or modules, each comprehensively designated 109, connected together in end-to end relation by suitable fasteners, e.g staples 110. Each module 109 has a generally U-shaped, integral frame, the sides and bottom of which are T-shaped in cross section and comprise an inner margin 112 and an outer web 113 normal to the margin 112 and to the plane of the frame. Extending upwardly from the margin 112 at the bottom of the module 109, and integral therewith, are a plurality of clamping elements 114, 1 l5, 1 l6, and 117 separated by vertical slots 119. The narrow clamping elements 114 and 115 adjacent the margins 112 along the sides of the module frame comprise, respectively, upright clamping stiles 121 and 122 each of which is integrally joined to the adjacent margin 112 on the sides of the frame by vertically spaced cross bars 124. The clamping elements 116 and 117 intermediate the stiles 121 and 122 are skeletal. The element 116 comprises a pair of vertical stiles 126 joined by vertically spaced cross bars 127 integral therewith and the element 117 comprises a pair of vertical stiles 128 also joined integrally by similar cross bars 127.

It will be seen that the clamping elements 114-117 are so formed that the cross bars in adjacent elements are staggered Since all of the cross bars 124 and 127 are equally spaced vertically from each other, this results in the cross bars on each side of each slot 119 being so spaced as to be equidistant, vertically from the cross bars on the other side thereof, Each of the stiles 121, 122,126, 128 is formed on its outer side edge with a plurality of protuberances 0r beads 131 which protrude into the adjacent slot 119. These beads which serve as clamping elements are in each case located midway between the cross bars attached to such stile. Consequently, in each vertical slot 119 the protruding beads 131 on one stile are opposite the cross bars of the other stile and vice versa.

An important feature of the present invention is that the composite clamping plates 103 are formed from identical modules 109. Consequently, since in each of the latter the distance between the vertical slots 119 is identical and twice the distance from the outer slots in the module to the outer face of the web 113 on the end faces of the module, any number of modules can be secured together, end to end, and the resulting composite clamping plate will have equally spaced slots for the reception of molds.

Guide or key means for properly interfitting adjacent clamping plate modules 109 together are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the web 113 of the module frames at spaced intervals thereabout. As best shown in FIGS. 13 and 1618, each such means comprises interfitting semicylindrical ridges 133 on and semicylindrical grooves 134 in the outer surface of the web 113. The ridges are formed integrally with the web 113 and extend from one edge thereof to approximately the midpoint thereof. The grooves 134 are axially aligned with the ridges 133 and extend at least from said midpoint to the other edge of such web. It will be seen, particularly from FIGS. 16 and 17, that clamping plate modules 109 are joined together in longitudinal alignment by abutting them end to end, with the semicylindrical ridges 133 on the side of the frame web 113 of one module aligned with the semicylindrical grooves 134 on the side of the facing web 113 of the adjoining module. The two abutting webs are then fastened together by suitable means such as staples 110. The composite clamping plate 103 thus produced can be handled and used without the modules becoming misaligned and in such composite plate each of the vertical slots 119 is equidistantly spaced from the adjacent slots. If desired, three or more modules 109 may be connected in an end-to-end relation as described above to form a still longer composite clamping plate. Also, if desired, composite clamping plates can be formed in essentially the same manner as described above by fitting together the ridges and grooves on the bottoms of the webs 113 of two or more clamping plate modules 109 and fastening the abutting webs 113 together by suitable means such as rivets or staples. Thus, it will be seen, the construction of the clamping plate modules 109 permits the forming of a wide variety of composite clamping plates.

The cross members 104 and are identical in construction and each comprises a core member 136, preferably formed of wood and having a generally square shape in cross section, encased in metallic sheathing formed by a pair of elongated, interfitting U-shaped members 137 and 138 suitably secured together, for

example by rivets 108. The ends of composite clamping plates 103 are connected to the cross members 106 and 107 by suitable means, such as rivets 108, securing the proximate modular clamping plate flanges 113 to the inner U-shaped members 137 of the cross members.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, the clamping frame assembly 25' also comprises a pair of transverse support bars 106 and 107 of generally rectangular shape, in both longitudinal and transverse section, preferably formed of suitable, rigid, plastic material which may be the same as that used for the modules 109. These bars are secured to the opposite ends of the composite clamping plates 103 by suitable means such as rivets 108. The bars 106 and 107, as shown, project below the bottoms of the composite clamping plates 103 and serve as supports for the assembly 25'. Further, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the frame assembly 25' is provided with a transverse center mounting assembly 141 on the bottom thereof. The assembly 141 comprises a pair of end plates 142, preferably formed of a suitable, rigid, plastic material such as hy-impact butadiene-styrene resin, and a central steel or iron plate 143. The plate 143 is secured to the plates 142 and the latter are secured to the outer composite clamping plates 103 by suitable means such as rivets 108. At the center of the metal plate 143, on the bottom thereof, there is provided a plastic disc 144 which is bolted to or otherwise suitably fastened to the plate 143 and which serves as a centering device for mounting the clamping frame assembly on vibrating or rotating apparatus (not shown).

In the case of the clamping frame assembly 25' there are two sets of clamping bars 67 and 68 employed to exert pressure on the composite clamping plates 103 and on the molds 26 placed in the aligned slots 119. These clamping bars are substantially identical with the clamping bars used on the clamping frame assembly 25. One pair of bars 67 and 68 is pivotally secured, for example by screws 71, at corresponding ends of the bars to the opposite ends of the top cross member 104 at one end of the assembly 25'. The other pair of clamping bars is similarly secured to the lower cross member 104 at the same end of the assembly. The screws 74 engaged in the outer ends of the cross members 105 at the other end of the assembly 25 extend through and cooperate with the arcuate slots 73 in the clamping bars to pull the cross members 104 and 105 together when the bars are pivoted to their lower positions.

The operation of the clamping frame assembly 25' is substantially the same as that described for the assembly 25. Molds 26 of the same type as those used in the assembly 25, and heretofore described, are employed. With the clamping bars 67 and 68 in their upward pivoted positions, molds having cavities of the desired configuration are placed in the aligned slots 119 of the composite clamping plates 103. The clamping bars are then pushed downward at the ends having the arcuate slots 73 thus clamping and sealing the molds tightly along their side edges. It will be evident that the spaced beads 131 that protrude into the slots 119 will, in cooperation with the opposite sides of the slots, tightly grip the mold edges. The mold cavities are then supplied with the desired amount of liquid chocolate and the sealing strips 98 are inserted in the grooves 95 adjacent the top of the molds 26. The molds in the assembly are then vibrated and/or gyrated and/r rotated to obtain the desired hollow articles.

As described in connection with the operation of clamping frame assembly 25, it is on occasion desirable or necessary to use less than a full complement of molds in the assembly 25'. In such case rod-like spacers 146 such as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 may be used to fill the vacant slots 119. Such spacers 146 may conveniently be made of the same material as the modules 109 and, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, each spacer is an elongated member of a generally H-shaped configuration in cross section having a web 147 which can be inserted in a slot 119 and a pair of flanges 148 formed integrally with the opposite longitudinal edges of said web and adapted to engage against the opposite sides of the stiles forming said slot. The thickness of the web 147 should correspond to the thickness of the abutting edge walls ofa mold. 1t will be understood that not only can spacers such as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 be used with the assembly 25', but such spacers can be used with the clamping frame assembly 25, if desired. Also, if desired, a spacer sheet can be used in the assembly 25' instead of spacers 146.

In order to accommodate in the outermost set of aligned slots 119 a mold having a relatively thick mold cavity, brackets 150 may be employed to space the outermost slots further inwardly from the cross members 104 and 105. Preferably a plurality of brackets are used and, as shown in FIG. 19, they are interposed between the outer webs 113 on the composite clamping plates 103 and one or more of the cross members 104-105. Each bracket is tubular and has a generally trapezoidal shape in side elevation or vertical section. The inner, longer sides of the brackets, which are preferably formed of metal such as stainless steel and may have a wooden core provided therein to improve their rigidity, are rigidly secured to the outer faces of the clamping plate webs 113 by screws 151 and the opposite sides of the brackets are secured to the cross members by elongated screws 152. Brackets 150 may be attached at only one end or at both ends of the clamping frame assembly 25', as desired. When used, the brackets position the cross members sufficiently far away from the outermost set of aligned slots 119 to provide the necessary space for accommodating the relatively thick mold cavities of certain molds. It will be understood that a similar arrangement may be employed with the clamping frame assembly 25 when molds with oversize cavities are used.

The present invention thus provides a novel frame assembly for clamping a plurality of molds in a laterally spaced relation to expedite the molding of edible, hollow chocolate products by enabling such mold assemblies to be rapidly filled with liquid chocolate and thereafter be simultaneously turned and/or manipulated during the molding operation.

While preferred embodiments of the principles of this invention have been described and illustrated in detail and certain possible modifications have been mentioned, it should be understood that numerous other modifications thereof and variations therefrom can be made without departing from the broad spirit and scope of this invention, as defined in the appended claims. For example, the apparatus can be changed in size to take larger or smaller molds and the number of clamping bars can be changed as desired or necessary for proper clamping action on the molds. Also, of course, if large single cavity molds are used the intermediate clamping plate can be omitted. Further, molds differing from the type shown may be used in many cases.

I claim:

1. Multiple molding apparatus comprising: at least three laterally spaced, upright, clamping plates secured at their respective opposite ends to a pair of end cross members that extend transversely of said clamping plates; each of said clamping plates having a plurality of longitudinally spaced slots extending downwardly from the upper marginal edge thereof, said slots in each clamping plate being in lateral alignment with slots in each of the other clamping plates for receiving therein separate, independent molds that extend generally normal to said clamping plates and project beyond at least two of said clamping plates; a pair of vertically extending edges defining each slot and adapted to bear against the opposite marginal sides of a mold in said slot; and means for applying longitudinal compressive force to the opposite ends of said clamping plates for urging said edges toward each other for clamping said molds therebetween, the outer pair of said clamping plates being inclined slightly outwardly in an upwardly diverging relation relative to a vertical plane extending through the intermediate clamping plate.

2. Multiple molding apparatus comprising: a plurality of laterally spaced, upright, clamping plates secured at their respective opposite ends to a pair of end cross members that extend transversely of said clamping plates; each of said clamping plates having a plurality of longitudinally spaced slots extending downwardly from the upper marginal edge thereof, said slots in each clamping plate being in lateral alignment with slots in each of the other clamping plates for receiving therein separate, independent molds that extend generally normal to said clamping plates and project beyond at least two of said clamping plates; a pair of vertically extending edges defining each slot and adapted to bear against the opposite marginal sides of a mold in said slot; and means for applying longitudinal compressive force to the opposite ends of said clamping plates for urging said edges toward each other for clamping said molds therebetween, said force applying means comprising a pair of clamping bars pivotally mounted at one end thereof to the opposite ends of one of said end cross members and secured at the other ends thereof to the opposite ends of the other of said end cross members for limited pivotal movement relative thereto.

3. Multiple molding apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said other ends of said clamping bars are provided with arcuate slots extending inwardly toward said one ends thereof and upwardly, and said opposite ends of said other end cross member carry means engaging in said slots, whereby pivotal movement of said clamping bars causes movement of said other end cross member toward and away from said one end cross member.

4. Multiple molding apparatus comprising: a plurality of laterally spaced, upright, clamping plates secured at their respective opposite ends to a pair of end cross members that extend transversely of said clamping plates; each of said clamping plates having a plurality of longitudinally spaced slots extending downwardly from the upper marginal edge thereof, said slots in each clamping plate being in lateral alignment with slots in each of the other clamping plates for receiving therein separate, independent molds that extend generally normal to said clamping plates and project beyond at least two of said clamping plates; a pair of vertically extending edges defining each slot and adapted to bear against the opposite marginal sides of a mold in said slot, and means for applying longitudinal compressive force to the opposite ends of said clamping plates for urging said edges toward each other for clamping said molds therebetween, said apparatus including a pair of longitudinally spaced bottom cross members extending transversely of said clamping plates and rigidly secured thereto.

5. Multiple molding apparatus comprising: a plurality of laterally spaced, upright, clamping plates secured at their respective opposite ends to a pair of end cross members that extend transversely of said clamping plates; each of said clamping plates having a plurality of longitudinally spaced slots extending downwardly from the upper marginal edge thereof, said slots in each clamping plate being in lateral alignment with slots in each of the other clamping plates for receiving therein separate, independent molds that extend generally normal to said clamping plates and project beyond at least two of said clamping plates; a pair of vertically extending edges defining each slot and adapted to bear against the opposite marginal sides of a mold in said slot; and means for applying longitudinal compressive force to the opposite ends of said clamping plates for urging said edges toward each other for clamping said molds therebetween, said apparatus including a mounting plate secured to the bottom of said clamping plates and extending transversely therebetween for attachment to a rotating apparatus.

6. Multiple molding apparatus comprising: a plurality of laterally spaced, upright, clamping plates secured at their respective opposite ends to a pair of end cross members that extend transversely of said clamping plates; each of said clamping plates having a plurality of longitudinally spaced slots extending downwardly from the upper marginal edge thereof, said slots in each clamping plate being in lateral alignment with slots in each of the other clamping plates for receiving therein separate, independent molds that extend generally normal to said clamping plates and project beyond at least two of said clamping plates; a pair of vertically extending edges defining each slot and adapted to bear against the opposite marginal sides of a mold in said slot; and means for applying longitudinal compressive force to the opposite ends of said clamping plates for urging said edges toward each other for clamping said molds therebetween, said apparatus having a spacing bracket secured to at least one of the ends of each clamping plate and interposed between said clamping plate and the adjacent one of said end cross members for spacing the adjacent slots of said clamping plates further from said end cross member.

7. Multiple molding apparatus comprising: at least three laterally spaced, upright, clamping plates secured at their respective opposite ends to a pair of end cross members that extend transversely of said clamping plates, the outer ones of said clamping plates being inclined slightly outwardly in an upwardly diverging relation to a vertical plane and also secured to a plurality of longitudinally spaced, transverse, bottom cross members; each of said clamping plates having a plurality of longitudinally spaced slots extending downwardly from the upper marginal edge thereof, said slots in each clamping plate being in lateral alignment with slots in each of the other clamping plates for receiving therein molds that extend generally normal to said clamping plates in a vertical plane, a pair of vertically extending edges defining each slot and adapted to bear against the opposite marginal sides of a mold in said slot; and means for applying longitudinal compressive force to the opposite ends of said clamping plates for urging said edges toward each other for clamping said molds therebetween; said force applying means comprising a pair of clamping bars, each pivotally mounted at one end on one of said end cross members and provided at the other end with an arcuate slot which extends upwardly and toward said one end of said bar and which engages means projecting from the end of the other of said end cross members, whereby pivotal movement of said clamping bars causes said end cross members to move relative to each other.

8. Multiple molding apparatus comprising: a plurality of laterally spaced, upright, clamping plates secured at their respective opposite ends to a pair of end cross members that extend transversely of said clamping plates; each of said clamping plates having a plurality of longitudinally spaced slots extending downwardly from the upper marginal edge thereof, said slots in each clamping plate being in lateral alignment with slots in each of the other clamping plates for receiving therein separate, independent molds that extend generally nor mal to said clamping plates and project beyond at least two of said clamping plates; a pair of vertically extending edges defining each slot and adapted to bear against the opposite marginal sides of a mold in said slot; and means for applying longitudinal compressive force to the opposite ends of said clamping plates for urging said edges toward each other for clamping said molds therebetween, each of said clamping plates being provided with a marginal flange extending along the bottom and the opposite ends thereof and with a channel between each pair of adjacent slots and substantially parallel therewith.

9. Multiple molding apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein said channels are resiliently yieldable to provide resilient resistance to longitudinal compression of said clamping plate.

10. Multiple molding apparatus comprising: a plurality oflaterally spaced, upright, clamping plates secured at their respective opposite ends to a pair of end cross members that extend transversely of said clamping plates; each of said clamping plates having a plurality of longitudinally spaced slots extending downwardly from the upper marginal edge thereof, said slots in each clamping plate being in lateral alignment with slots in each of the other clamping plates for receiving therein separate, independent molds that extend generally normal to said clamping plates and project beyond at least two of said clamping plates; a pair of vertically extending edges defining each slot and adapted to bear against the opposite marginal sides of a mold in said slot; and means for applying longitudinal compressive force to the opposite ends of said clamping plates for urging said edges toward each other for clamping said molds therebetween, each of said clamping plates being formed of at least a pair of identical modules secured together in an abutting end to-end relation; each of said modules comprising a unitary, one-piece construction formed of a resiliently yieldable plastic materialv 11. Multiple molding apparatus as Set forth in claim 10 wherein each of said modules is unitary and comprises a generally U-shaped frame, the bottom and sides thereof being T-shaped in cross section.

12. Multiple molding apparatus as set forth in claim 11 wherein each of said modules is provided with a plurality of spaced slots extending downwardly from the upper edge thereof and formed between a plurality of clamping elements; said clamping elements being joined to said frame at the bottom thereof and having opposed upright stiles defining said slots.

13. Multiple molding apparatus as set forth in claim 12 wherein said opposed stiles are provided with longitudinally spaced beads projecting into said slot in a staggered relation for clamping engagement against the opposite side faces of a mold engaged in said slot upon axial compression of said clamping plate.

14. Multiple molding apparatus as set forth in claim 11 wherein the outer surfaces of the abutting portions of adjacent modules are provided with means formed integral therewith for interfitting engagement with each other, and means securing said abutting portions together.

15. Multiple molding apparatus as set forth in claim 14 wherein said interfitting means comprises a plurality of spaced ridges formed integral with the outer edge surface of each module and grooves, coaxially aligned with said ridges formed in said surface for engagement with corresponding ridges and grooves formed in the outer edge surface of another module, said ridges and grooves being complementary.

16. A mold clamping plate module comprising: a generally rectangular thin body having a generally U- shaped frame forming the sides and bottom thereof; a plurality of skeletal clamping elements integral with and extending upwardly in parallel relation from the bottom of said body, said clamping elements being of two types, a clamping element of one type being adja cent to each side of said body and each said element comprising an upright stile spaced from said side and a plurality of vertically spaced cross bars connecting said stile to said side, clamping elements of the other type comprising a pair of upright stiles spaced from each other and a plurality of vertically spaced cross bars between and connecting said pair of stiles; said clamping elements being spaced from each other whereby to define slots between them, each of said slots being adapted to receive and clamp a mold thereinv 17. A mold clamping plate module as defined in claim 16 wherein said slots are equally spaced and the distance between said slots is twice the distance between the outer surfaces of the sides of said body and the slots respectively adjacent thereto, whereby when a pair of identical modules are abutted with their side edge surfaces in contact to form a composite clamping plate all of the slots in said pair of modules are equally spaced.

18. A mold clamping plate module as defined in claim 17 wherein means is provided on the outer surface of said body for interengaging with an identical body to position said bodies for forming a composite clamping plate, and wherein each of said stiles is pr0 vided with a plurality of equally spaced beads which project into the adjacent slot, said beads on each stile being located midway between the cross bars connected to said stile and midway between the beads on the other stile defining said slot.

19. A mold clamping plate module as defined in claim 16 wherein means is provided on the outer sur face of said body for interengaging with an identical body to position said bodies for forming a composite clamping plate.

20. A mold clamping plate module as defined in claim 19 wherein said frame is T-shaped in cross section and comprises an inner margin with which said clamping elements are integral and an outer integral web normal to said margin, and a plurality of said inter engaging means are formed integrally in the outer face of said web each such means comprising a horizontal groove and an adjoining complementary, coaxial hori zontal ridge.

21. A mold clamping plate module as defined in claim 16 wherein said cross bars in adjacent clamping elements are not horizontally aligned.

22. A mold clamping plate module as defined in claim 16 wherein each of said stiles is provided with a plurality ofequally spaced beads which project into the adjacent slots said beads on each stile being located midway between the cross bars connected to said stile and midway between the beads on the other stile defining said slot.

23. Multiple molding apparatus comprising: a plural ity oflaterally spaced upright, clamping plates secured at their respective opposite ends to a pair of end cross members that extend transversely of said clamping plates; each of said clamping plates having a plurality of longitudinally spaced slots extending downwardly from the upper marginal edge thereof, said slots in each clamping plate being in lateral alignment with slots in each of the other clamping plates for receiving therein separate independent molds that extend generally normal to said clamping plates and project beyond at least two of said clamping plates; a pair of vertically extending edges defining each slot and adapted to bear against the opposite marginal sides of a mold in said slot; and means for applying longitudinal compressive force to the opposite ends of said clamping plates for urging said edges toward each other for clamping said molds therebetween. the vertically extending edges of said mold-receiving slots being provided with integral clamping elements that project into said slots.

24. Multiple molding apparatus as set forth in claim 10 wherein the vertically extending edges of said mold receiving slots are provided with integral clamping ele ments that project into said slots. 

1. Multiple molding apparatus comprising: at least three laterally spaced, upright, clamping plates secured at their respective opposite ends to a pair of end cross Members that extend transversely of said clamping plates; each of said clamping plates having a plurality of longitudinally spaced slots extending downwardly from the upper marginal edge thereof, said slots in each clamping plate being in lateral alignment with slots in each of the other clamping plates for receiving therein separate, independent molds that extend generally normal to said clamping plates and project beyond at least two of said clamping plates; a pair of vertically extending edges defining each slot and adapted to bear against the opposite marginal sides of a mold in said slot; and means for applying longitudinal compressive force to the opposite ends of said clamping plates for urging said edges toward each other for clamping said molds therebetween, the outer pair of said clamping plates being inclined slightly outwardly in an upwardly diverging relation relative to a vertical plane extending through the intermediate clamping plate.
 2. Multiple molding apparatus comprising: a plurality of laterally spaced, upright, clamping plates secured at their respective opposite ends to a pair of end cross members that extend transversely of said clamping plates; each of said clamping plates having a plurality of longitudinally spaced slots extending downwardly from the upper marginal edge thereof, said slots in each clamping plate being in lateral alignment with slots in each of the other clamping plates for receiving therein separate, independent molds that extend generally normal to said clamping plates and project beyond at least two of said clamping plates; a pair of vertically extending edges defining each slot and adapted to bear against the opposite marginal sides of a mold in said slot; and means for applying longitudinal compressive force to the opposite ends of said clamping plates for urging said edges toward each other for clamping said molds therebetween, said force applying means comprising a pair of clamping bars pivotally mounted at one end thereof to the opposite ends of one of said end cross members and secured at the other ends thereof to the opposite ends of the other of said end cross members for limited pivotal movement relative thereto.
 3. Multiple molding apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said other ends of said clamping bars are provided with arcuate slots extending inwardly toward said one ends thereof and upwardly, and said opposite ends of said other end cross member carry means engaging in said slots, whereby pivotal movement of said clamping bars causes movement of said other end cross member toward and away from said one end cross member.
 4. Multiple molding apparatus comprising: a plurality of laterally spaced, upright, clamping plates secured at their respective opposite ends to a pair of end cross members that extend transversely of said clamping plates; each of said clamping plates having a plurality of longitudinally spaced slots extending downwardly from the upper marginal edge thereof, said slots in each clamping plate being in lateral alignment with slots in each of the other clamping plates for receiving therein separate, independent molds that extend generally normal to said clamping plates and project beyond at least two of said clamping plates; a pair of vertically extending edges defining each slot and adapted to bear against the opposite marginal sides of a mold in said slot, and means for applying longitudinal compressive force to the opposite ends of said clamping plates for urging said edges toward each other for clamping said molds therebetween, said apparatus including a pair of longitudinally spaced bottom cross members extending transversely of said clamping plates and rigidly secured thereto.
 5. Multiple molding apparatus comprising: a plurality of laterally spaced, upright, clamping plates secured at their respective opposite ends to a pair of end cross members that extend transversely of said clamping plates; each of said clamping plates having a plurality of longitudinally spaced slots extending dowNwardly from the upper marginal edge thereof, said slots in each clamping plate being in lateral alignment with slots in each of the other clamping plates for receiving therein separate, independent molds that extend generally normal to said clamping plates and project beyond at least two of said clamping plates; a pair of vertically extending edges defining each slot and adapted to bear against the opposite marginal sides of a mold in said slot; and means for applying longitudinal compressive force to the opposite ends of said clamping plates for urging said edges toward each other for clamping said molds therebetween, said apparatus including a mounting plate secured to the bottom of said clamping plates and extending transversely therebetween for attachment to a rotating apparatus.
 6. Multiple molding apparatus comprising: a plurality of laterally spaced, upright, clamping plates secured at their respective opposite ends to a pair of end cross members that extend transversely of said clamping plates; each of said clamping plates having a plurality of longitudinally spaced slots extending downwardly from the upper marginal edge thereof, said slots in each clamping plate being in lateral alignment with slots in each of the other clamping plates for receiving therein separate, independent molds that extend generally normal to said clamping plates and project beyond at least two of said clamping plates; a pair of vertically extending edges defining each slot and adapted to bear against the opposite marginal sides of a mold in said slot; and means for applying longitudinal compressive force to the opposite ends of said clamping plates for urging said edges toward each other for clamping said molds therebetween, said apparatus having a spacing bracket secured to at least one of the ends of each clamping plate and interposed between said clamping plate and the adjacent one of said end cross members for spacing the adjacent slots of said clamping plates further from said end cross member.
 7. Multiple molding apparatus comprising: at least three laterally spaced, upright, clamping plates secured at their respective opposite ends to a pair of end cross members that extend transversely of said clamping plates, the outer ones of said clamping plates being inclined slightly outwardly in an upwardly diverging relation to a vertical plane and also secured to a plurality of longitudinally spaced, transverse, bottom cross members; each of said clamping plates having a plurality of longitudinally spaced slots extending downwardly from the upper marginal edge thereof, said slots in each clamping plate being in lateral alignment with slots in each of the other clamping plates for receiving therein molds that extend generally normal to said clamping plates in a vertical plane, a pair of vertically extending edges defining each slot and adapted to bear against the opposite marginal sides of a mold in said slot; and means for applying longitudinal compressive force to the opposite ends of said clamping plates for urging said edges toward each other for clamping said molds therebetween; said force applying means comprising a pair of clamping bars, each pivotally mounted at one end on one of said end cross members and provided at the other end with an arcuate slot which extends upwardly and toward said one end of said bar and which engages means projecting from the end of the other of said end cross members, whereby pivotal movement of said clamping bars causes said end cross members to move relative to each other.
 8. Multiple molding apparatus comprising: a plurality of laterally spaced, upright, clamping plates secured at their respective opposite ends to a pair of end cross members that extend transversely of said clamping plates; each of said clamping plates having a plurality of longitudinally spaced slots extending downwardly from the upper marginal edge thereof, said slots in each clamping plate being in lateral alignment with slots in each of the other clamping plates for receiving therEin separate, independent molds that extend generally normal to said clamping plates and project beyond at least two of said clamping plates; a pair of vertically extending edges defining each slot and adapted to bear against the opposite marginal sides of a mold in said slot; and means for applying longitudinal compressive force to the opposite ends of said clamping plates for urging said edges toward each other for clamping said molds therebetween, each of said clamping plates being provided with a marginal flange extending along the bottom and the opposite ends thereof and with a channel between each pair of adjacent slots and substantially parallel therewith.
 9. Multiple molding apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein said channels are resiliently yieldable to provide resilient resistance to longitudinal compression of said clamping plate.
 10. Multiple molding apparatus comprising: a plurality of laterally spaced, upright, clamping plates secured at their respective opposite ends to a pair of end cross members that extend transversely of said clamping plates; each of said clamping plates having a plurality of longitudinally spaced slots extending downwardly from the upper marginal edge thereof, said slots in each clamping plate being in lateral alignment with slots in each of the other clamping plates for receiving therein separate, independent molds that extend generally normal to said clamping plates and project beyond at least two of said clamping plates; a pair of vertically extending edges defining each slot and adapted to bear against the opposite marginal sides of a mold in said slot; and means for applying longitudinal compressive force to the opposite ends of said clamping plates for urging said edges toward each other for clamping said molds therebetween, each of said clamping plates being formed of at least a pair of identical modules secured together in an abutting end-to-end relation; each of said modules comprising a unitary, one-piece construction formed of a resiliently yieldable plastic material.
 11. Multiple molding apparatus as set forth in claim 10 wherein each of said modules is unitary and comprises a generally U-shaped frame, the bottom and sides thereof being T-shaped in cross section.
 12. Multiple molding apparatus as set forth in claim 11 wherein each of said modules is provided with a plurality of spaced slots extending downwardly from the upper edge thereof and formed between a plurality of clamping elements; said clamping elements being joined to said frame at the bottom thereof and having opposed upright stiles defining said slots.
 13. Multiple molding apparatus as set forth in claim 12 wherein said opposed stiles are provided with longitudinally spaced beads projecting into said slot in a staggered relation for clamping engagement against the opposite side faces of a mold engaged in said slot upon axial compression of said clamping plate.
 14. Multiple molding apparatus as set forth in claim 11 wherein the outer surfaces of the abutting portions of adjacent modules are provided with means formed integral therewith for interfitting engagement with each other, and means securing said abutting portions together.
 15. Multiple molding apparatus as set forth in claim 14 wherein said interfitting means comprises a plurality of spaced ridges formed integral with the outer edge surface of each module and grooves, coaxially aligned with said ridges formed in said surface for engagement with corresponding ridges and grooves formed in the outer edge surface of another module, said ridges and grooves being complementary.
 16. A mold clamping plate module comprising: a generally rectangular thin body having a generally U-shaped frame forming the sides and bottom thereof; a plurality of skeletal clamping elements integral with and extending upwardly in parallel relation from the bottom of said body, said clamping elements being of two types, a clamping element of one type being adjacent to each side of said body and each said elemenT comprising an upright stile spaced from said side and a plurality of vertically spaced cross bars connecting said stile to said side, clamping elements of the other type comprising a pair of upright stiles spaced from each other and a plurality of vertically spaced cross bars between and connecting said pair of stiles; said clamping elements being spaced from each other whereby to define slots between them, each of said slots being adapted to receive and clamp a mold therein.
 17. A mold clamping plate module as defined in claim 16 wherein said slots are equally spaced and the distance between said slots is twice the distance between the outer surfaces of the sides of said body and the slots respectively adjacent thereto, whereby when a pair of identical modules are abutted with their side edge surfaces in contact to form a composite clamping plate all of the slots in said pair of modules are equally spaced.
 18. A mold clamping plate module as defined in claim 17 wherein means is provided on the outer surface of said body for interengaging with an identical body to position said bodies for forming a composite clamping plate, and wherein each of said stiles is provided with a plurality of equally spaced beads which project into the adjacent slot, said beads on each stile being located midway between the cross bars connected to said stile and midway between the beads on the other stile defining said slot.
 19. A mold clamping plate module as defined in claim 16 wherein means is provided on the outer surface of said body for interengaging with an identical body to position said bodies for forming a composite clamping plate.
 20. A mold clamping plate module as defined in claim 19 wherein said frame is T-shaped in cross section and comprises an inner margin with which said clamping elements are integral and an outer integral web normal to said margin, and a plurality of said interengaging means are formed integrally in the outer face of said web, each such means comprising a horizontal groove and an adjoining complementary, coaxial horizontal ridge.
 21. A mold clamping plate module as defined in claim 16 wherein said cross bars in adjacent clamping elements are not horizontally aligned.
 22. A mold clamping plate module as defined in claim 16 wherein each of said stiles is provided with a plurality of equally spaced beads which project into the adjacent slots said beads on each stile being located midway between the cross bars connected to said stile and midway between the beads on the other stile defining said slot.
 23. Multiple molding apparatus comprising: a plurality of laterally spaced, upright, clamping plates secured at their respective opposite ends to a pair of end cross members that extend transversely of said clamping plates; each of said clamping plates having a plurality of longitudinally spaced slots extending downwardly from the upper marginal edge thereof, said slots in each clamping plate being in lateral alignment with slots in each of the other clamping plates for receiving therein separate, independent molds that extend generally normal to said clamping plates and project beyond at least two of said clamping plates; a pair of vertically extending edges defining each slot and adapted to bear against the opposite marginal sides of a mold in said slot; and means for applying longitudinal compressive force to the opposite ends of said clamping plates for urging said edges toward each other for clamping said molds therebetween, the vertically extending edges of said mold-receiving slots being provided with integral clamping elements that project into said slots.
 24. Multiple molding apparatus as set forth in claim 10 wherein the vertically extending edges of said mold-receiving slots are provided with integral clamping elements that project into said slots. 